Just a brief update for those who might have missed the holiday party in the lobby. As usual, a significant number of neighbors came. There was live music and plenty of drinks. I think these fun socials help to make 10WEA an enjoyable place to live and I hope they will always be a part of our lifestyle here.

So it’s the holiday season and time to think about the people who think about us all year long. I’ve been trying to determine the proper tip amount and have read some articles on the Internet pertaining it. It seems that you should start with a base of $25 for each staff member and a base of $100 for the superintendent, and then increase the amount based on the extent of your relationship with the individual to a $300 maximum.

Our staff is incredibly dedicated and helpful so I am predicting an unusually generous spirit among residents in the building.

This coming Thursday at 7 PM in the lobby will be the first annual holiday get together. I’m beginning to develop relationships with quite a few neighbors through various parties and events that the building sponsors. It’s a fun opportunity to meet nice people. Come down and let’s have some wine and cheese.

- I just learned today that the concierge will mail letters so there is no reason to walk to a mailbox. Maybe everybody else in the building already knew that…

- Abigail Michaels is the concierge service that 10WEA has a relationship with. Check out the services list on their website. I didn’t know how many services they offered until I decided to call today for housekeeping. If you’re busy and need something done they can take care of it for you.

- The laundry / drycleaning service offered in the lobby actually is very fast. I always have in the past arranged for a drycleaner to pick up my stuff, but I tried the building’s service and was impressed. There is often no line and you can just hand the attendant your clothing and he’ll know your apartment number and take care of it. No need to worry about cleaning slips unless you prefer it.

- They distributed a slip of paper listing the names of the building’s staff for the purpose of holiday gratuities, but it is also very convenient if you just need a little reminder of what everybody’s name is.

If you haven’t been to the gym in a while:

- The treadmills on the right have televisions built in
- The treadmills and ellipicals on the left are in front on very large flat-screen TV’s
- There is a water cooler
- The pool is completely finished and it is kept at a good temperature for working out
- The glass at eye-level is no longer transparent so there is privacy from the outside now but still a view and light from the top